TEN years ago the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in Mexico became the third tournament on the PGA Tour to be held outside the States.
The others, the Open and the RBC Canadian Open, were on the Tour due to history but the the OHL was was due to planning for the future of golf. The intention was to show off the world’s top golfers at the Greg Norman-designed course and it has done that.
The El Camaleon Golf Club course has greens that are some of the largest on the PGA Tour, around 7000 square feet. Lots of large bunkers and water hazards with large outcrops of rocks can do your round a lot of damage. There are birdies to be had here though and Birdie Average and GIR could be important.
I have reservations on selecting Chesson Hadley again but his form is phenomenal. His head could be anywhere after losing out on the chance of being in a play-off last Sunday when he bogeyed the 72nd hole. In his last six outings Hadley has won once, two seconds, a third and a fourth. All he needs to do now is win again! I’m surprised his price is so big but maybe with Rickie Fowler, Pat Perez and Patrick Reed present it's helped push it out. GIR: 73.61% (T32nd). Birdie Average: 4.83 (14th).
I have been impressed with Bryson DeChambeau’s game over the past couple of years and he is close to challenging for a second title to add to his John Deere Classic win. He had a horrendous run in the middle of last year, missing the cut seven times in a row. At the end of June he found his game again and by the middle of July had won his first PGA Tour event. DeChambeau seems to have a liking for coastal courses and with the course looking to be set up for birdies this could suit the Californian. GIR: 78.47% (8th). Birdie Average: 4.00 (50th)
I like the look of 22-year-old Beau Hossler for a place this week. He gained his PGA Tour card for this season by finishing 23 on the Web.com Tour Regular Season money list. He has played eight times on the Tour and has missed the cut four times but this season has suddenly found some good form.
In his first tournament (The Safeway Open) he finished with an 80 but two weeks later a T10 in the Sandersons Farms was quickly followed by a T7 in the Shiners. One thing I have noticed his in all three tournaments his last round has let him down and this might be a problem if he is near the top on Sunday. Having said that I shall be having a small wager on the Californian. GIR: 67.27% (95th). Birdie Average: 4.14 (18th)
Recommended Bets
- 1.5pts ew Chesson Hadley (22-1, betfair)
- 1.5pts ew Bryson DeChambeau (40-1, Coral)
- 1pt ew Beau Hossler (80-1, Betfred)
